NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New York, United States
New York, United States

NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Outty Ranking 40 3.4 · 215 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $125
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Outty Ranking

40/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.4/5

Based on 215 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour worth booking?

NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in New York, United States, from $125 per person. It scores 40 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.4/5 rating across 215 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
40 / 100
Rating
3.4/5 (215)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$125 per person

Discover New York City at your own pace with a flexible 48-hour Big Bus combo covering both the Downtown and Uptown routes. Ride the open-top hop-on hop-off bus and explore famous sights like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Midtown, getting off whenever you want to explore further. Your experience also includes entry to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck, where sweeping views reveal the city from an unforgettable perspective. Complete your visit with a round-trip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, getting up close to the Statue of Liberty and learning the stories behind this iconic landmark. With one simple ticket, you can choose the order, move at your own rhythm, and enjoy New York’s top attractions with ease and great value. Highlights: - Board a hop-on hop-off Big Bus at any stop along two routes - Admission ticket to the Empire State Building observation deck included - Travel round-trip by ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover New York City at your own pace with a flexible 48-hour Big Bus combo covering both the Downtown and Uptown routes. Ride the open-top hop-on hop-off bus and explore famous sights like Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, and Midtown, getting off whenever you want to explore further. Your experience also includes entry to the Empire State Building’s 86th-floor observation deck, where sweeping views reveal the city from an unforgettable perspective. Complete your visit with a round-trip ferry to Liberty and Ellis Islands, getting up close to the Statue of Liberty and learning the stories behind this iconic landmark. With one simple ticket, you can choose the order, move at your own rhythm, and enjoy New York’s top attractions with ease and great value. Highlights: - Board a hop-on hop-off Big Bus at any stop along two routes - Admission ticket to the Empire State Building observation deck included - Travel round-trip by ferry to Ellis Island and Liberty Island

    What's included

    Included

    • Bike rental discount (rent 1 hour and receive 1 hour free)
    • Digital audio commentary in multiple langauges
    • Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry (if option selected)
    • Big Bus 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour on Downtown & Uptown Loops
    • Admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck
    • Audio Tour for Liberty & Ellis Islands

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Access to Statue of Liberty interior monument or museum

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    de, pt, en, it, fr, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Big Bus Tours - USA

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • The Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Ferry operates from 9:00am to 3:00pm with regular departures from Battery Park. You will need to redeem your ticket voucher with a Big Bus Tours staff member before heading to the ferry terminal
    • This ticket includes a ferry journey to both Liberty Island and Ellis Island, but not interior monument or museum access.
    • Empire State Building visits must pre-book a time and date through the Big Bus Booking Management link (provided on your voucher), or with our staff at Stop #1

    Photos

    NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New York, photo 2NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New York, photo 3NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New York, photo 4See the sights such as Empire State, NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New YorkNYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New York, photo 6NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour in New York, photo 7

    Traveler reviews

    215 verified traveler reviews for NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    88
    4 star
    28
    3 star
    26
    2 star
    22
    1 star
    51
    Sort
    sharontA7168BE · September 2026

    Statue of Liberty

    Would recommend this trip to get around in the city. Make sure you grab ear buds once boarding for narration. Seeing the Statue of Liberty was on my bucket list.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! Safe travels!

    via Tripadvisor

    U3293MSangelad · September 2026

    Night Tour on Big Bus— keep the human guides & drivers!!!

    Guide Jose & Driver Chan ROCK!!! 👍👏

    Response from the operator: We are thrilled to hear that ! Thank you for choosing us and we look forward to seeing you in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    shavonp286 · June 2026

    New York Fun Times

    It was an Awesome experience. We did the tour on Memorial Day so we was unable to go pass the Statue of Liberty

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review! We're so glad you had an awesome experience with us. We apologize for any inconvenience due to Memorial Day restrictions, but we hope you still enjoyed the rest of the tour. We'd love to have you back to see the Statue of Liberty next time!

    via Tripadvisor

    David_C · June 2026

    NYC hop on & off bus tour with ESB and Statue of Liberty extensions.

    It was very useful, but when I saw one of the company's employees in Times Square he converted my Viator booking into bus tickets. He said it didn't cover us for the Empire State Building which it clearly did. Then he wanted a tip from me for sorting the tickets. Not very professional or ethical really.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found the tour useful overall. However, the situation you described in Times Square is concerning and does not reflect the standards we expect from our team. Bookings should always be honored as purchased, with clear and accurate information provided at all times, and guests should never feel pressured for tips. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, as it helps us address issues and reinforce expectations with our staff. Your comments have been shared internally for review. Thank you again for your feedback. Alex @ Big Bus Tours

    via Viator

    Tamra_K · May 2026

    Not all the personnel...

    Not all the personnel staff were very helpful or friendly (there were some good ones though), and be prepared for long wait times at bus stops. Otherwise, the buses were clean and it was a good way to see the sights; the ones with friendly staff and drivers made it quite enjoyable.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear that not all interactions with our staff met your expectations and that you experienced longer wait times. However, we’re glad to hear you found the buses clean and enjoyed the tour overall, especially with the friendly team members who made a positive difference. Florin @ BigBusTours

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $125 to $135
    Booked in 30 days
    75
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA, who run 43 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.5.

    See everything Big Bus Tours - USA runs

    Why this scores 40

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)0
    Review evidence (18% weight)69
    Booking momentum (14% weight)64
    Value for money (12% weight)14
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.

    How much does NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour take?

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    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.

    Is NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 40 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.4/5 across 215 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour?

    +

    Around 75 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in New York?

    +

    New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Walking Tour in New York. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit New York?

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    September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in New York?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour?

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    Included: Bike rental discount (rent 1 hour and receive 1 hour free); Digital audio commentary in multiple langauges; Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry (if option selected); Big Bus 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour on Downtown & Uptown Loops; and Admission to the Empire State Building Observation Deck. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Access to Statue of Liberty interior monument or museum. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    What languages is NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour offered in?

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    It is offered in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to NYC: Empire State, Statue of Liberty, and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in New York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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